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Faith for Other People
- Not the same as faith in other people – only God himself is a grounds for faith.
- Faith in God for what he will do in and through that person.
- Not a replacement for that person’s own faith – but may help spark that faith.
- We should have faith for everybody in our plants.
Faith for Young People
- Paul had faith for Timothy, who was young – he referred to him as ‘my child’ and told him not to let others look down on him because of his youth’.
- Paul trusted Timothy – he was a key part of the team and represented him in many cities.
- Lots of churches value young people, but there can be a gap when it comes to giving them opportunities like Timothy had.
- Christ Church Manchester talk about a ‘Have a Go’ culture and a ‘Low Bar of Leadership’– both of which mean lots of young people take significant roles.
- There is also a High Bar of leadership to help, coach and develop people.
- This is the same approach that Jesus had with the twelve.
Faith for People Who Have Stuffed It Up
- When somebody has tried and it didn’t go to plan, they can often be overlooked for future opportunities.
- The disciples messed up over and over again but Jesus still had faith for them.
- Christ Church Manchester also has a ‘Second Chance’ culture.
- Tom tried to plant a church. It didn’t quite work but now he is planting another one.
- When people have been out of church for a while, it doesn’t mean the door to leadership is closed when they return (though that is not number one priority).
- John Mark had stuffed it up, and Barnabas had faith for him.
Faith for Older People
- Older people are often overlooked in church planting.
- Some of the best church planters are older.
- Abraham and Moses were both old as they played their part in God’s plans.
- It is a mistake to manage older people out of involvement.
- The best is yet to come.